The shepherd is a favorite Scriptural picture of the divine love and
care. In the Old Testament, the twenty-third Psalm gathers the whole
wonderful truth in exquisite lines, which are dear to young and old wherever
the Bible is known. Then in the New Testament, when our Lord would give His
friends the sweetest revealings of His heart toward them, and tell them what
they are to Him and what He would be to them—He says, "I am the Good
Shepherd."

The Hebrew shepherd lives with his sheep. If they
are out in the storm—he is with them. If they are exposed to danger—so is
he. Just so, Christ lives with His people. He enters into closest relations with
them.

The shepherd knows his sheep. He has a name
for each one and calls them all by their names. Just so, Christ knows each one of His
friends, has intimate personal knowledge of each one. He knows the best in
us—and also the worst—our faults, our sins, our wanderings. Yet, knowing us
as we are—He loves us still and never wearies of us!

The shepherd is most gentle with his sheep. He
does not drive them—but goes before them and leads them. When
they need rest on the way—he makes them lie down, and chooses for their
resting-place, not the dusty road—but green pastures. He is
especially kind to the lambs, gathers them in his arms and carries
them in his bosom. All this is an exquisite picture of the gentleness of
our Good Shepherd in His care of His sheep. He is thoughtful toward the
weak. He loves the lambs and makes room for them on His bosom.
Whatever the need is, there is something in the heart of Christ which meets
its craving and supplies its lack!

The shepherd defends his flock in all danger.
Often he had to risk his own safety, even his life, in protecting his sheep.
Just so, the Good Shepherd gives His life—for His sheep!

Christ's sheep are absolutely safe in His keeping. "I give unto
them eternal life," He said; "and they will never perish—ever! No one will
snatch them out of My hand!" Then at last, He will bring His own all
safely home, "and they shall become one flock—with one Shepherd!"